Quiksilver Pro New York: Thursday Wrap Up

Quiksilver Pro New York: Thursday Wrap Up
Funny how a little sunshine makes everything look, and feel, so much better.

Today the torrential rain stopped and the Katia swell showed, bringing the vibe around the event from down and dismal to fun and frothing. This is beautiful fall Long Beach weather at its finest.

Round three was completed in conditions that could be easily mistaken for a fun French beachbreak, offering plenty of ramps, sections, and even the rare tube. In his win over Kai Otton, Joel Parkinson got shacked.

“I’m pretty sure I’ve been barreled at every stop on tour, I even managed a few in Brazil this year [Laughs] but honestly didn’t think it would happen here in New York.”

Owen Wright was on fire today. Photo: Checkwood

In the last heat of the third round CJ Hobgood paddled out versus Owen Wright with his WT seed for the rest of 2011 on the line. It was the wrong time to come up against Owen. In the half hour heat Owen stuck a frontside slob, a massive backside air, and capped the heat with a full rotation backside air reverse for a heat total North of 18 points. There was nothing CJ could do to top that performance, and he now finds himself off the WT for the first time in over 10 years. Not surprisingly, he still remains positive.

“The waves are sick out there, it’s a lot of fun. I think I can do anything I put my mind to. Today the pressure was on and I didn’t succeed but everything happens for a reason. For now, that’s all I can really say.”

If CJ wants back on the WT he’ll requalify easily. Don’t count on NY being the last time he competes in a WT event.

As the fourth round got underway the wind switched more onshore and messed the conditions slightly, but the surf still remained entirely shreddable. In his win over Kelly Slater and Jadson Andre, Josh Kerr stomped a large alley-oop and backside varial for the highest heat total of the event, 19.27 points. Once again, he ruled the day. Kerr is looking strong to contend for that title.

“The wind is absolutely perfect for airs on the rights. I managed to find the really good sections and yeah, I’m happy. This is the first time I’ve ever beat Kelly and now I’m straight to the quarters. “

Tomorrow, in what is forecasted to be the weeks largest day of surf with straight offshore winds, someone is going to win 300,000 dollars in (hopefully) firing Long Beach barrels. Even in a place as pricey as New York City, that kind of cash will buy a whole lot of beers. –Zander Morton